Many of us believed to find cure through natural and organic food intake and that is why through the years even our ancestors used traditional medicine. One of these is the consumption of bitter melon or sometimes called the bitter gourd. But does it really help in lowering sugar and controlling diabetes? What is the relation of this fruit vegetable in sugar controls?

Bitter melon, also known as the bitter gourd or Momordica charantia, is a tropical fruit-like gourd said to offer a variety of benefits. Bitter melon is said to contain compounds thought to aid in the treatment of conditions like diabetes. Extracts of bitter melon are also widely available in the dietary supplement form. It is said to act as an antioxidant and is thought to contain anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity and immunomodulating properties. Although there is not enough scientific evidence to support all of these claims of health benefits, individuals still continue to incorporate this in their day-to-day dietary consumption.

Preliminary research suggests that Bitter melon has been found to have compounds which are characteristics of combating diabetes. These compounds are noted to have similar effects like insulin and they also help protect against insulin resistance which in turn keep your blood sugar from rising. There were also other preliminary studies showing bitter melon to cause hypoglycemic effects or sudden drop of sugar levels. However, these observations were found inconclusive as they lack further clinical studies. With this, speculations arise like Bitter melon poses untoward side effects if consumed in numerous amounts. So what is the recommended dietary allowance per day serving?

Bitter gourd is safe for most people when consumed by mouth and that comes from its original form but for some it may trigger side effects such as headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, abdominal pain and bloating. According to Medical News Today, a daily recommendation of no more than 50-100 milliliters daily of juice or about 2-3 ounces through the day (approximately one small bitter gourd) is safe. To be sure, it is still best to seek advice from medical experts when using bitter melon in combination with medications that lowers blood sugar as it may result in untoward effects leading to undesirable outcomes.

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar

References:

1. How does bitter melon affect blood sugar levels?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317724

2. Bitter melon and Diabetes

https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/bitter-melon-and-diabetes